Lichen Landscapes
Winter landscapes often reveal a beauty over-looked in other seasons. Lichens, for instance, produce the subtle and sometimes vibrant colours revealed by melting snow, draped over dead branches and that colonize tree trunks.
It would be difficult to find a more fascinating life history than that of the lichens. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungal and algal cells. The fungus provides the structure that roots the organism to the substrate and provides nutrients to the alga. The algae, through photosynthesis, provide carbohydrates to the fungi. Both symbionts retain their autonomy and can grow independantly if separated.
Human history has been flavoured by lichens. People have used lichens to ferment beer, as food and medicine, and have dyed clothes with lichen dyes. Caribou, among other animals, rely heavily on lichens. Lichens are also very sensitive to air pollution and can be used to monitor the spread of pollutants across a landscape.
Lichens can also be very beautiful. I share these photos with you as a testament to that beauty.
all photos and writing copyright J.A. Siderius
Absolutely gorgeous photos, Joanne.
Susie
Thank you Susie.
I loved this post!! I too, look for lichens and fungi in the woods and marvel at the beauty of this unique organism. The shapes, colors, and just the varieties that are out there in nature astound me.
I have difficulty putting names to the lichen I photograph- any tips?
Hi – I am no expert, but I have a couple of identification books and I check with people who do know more about lichens. And when I make mistakes I rely on my friends to let me know. I hope that helps.